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 Post subject: Alpha
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 9:12 am 
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http://www.alphausa.org/Groups/10000653 ... epage.aspx

Our church has led this bible program for 3 years, now. It's a great way for people to bring in non-believers or people of other faiths to a neutral setting and learn more in depth about the Bible.

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 12:05 pm 
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It didn't really say what it is, or did I miss it?


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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 12:32 pm 
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I went to the Alpha project years ago and really enjoyed it. It's a great program : )

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 9:33 am 
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Sis wrote:
It didn't really say what it is, or did I miss it?
You missed it.

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 12:33 pm 
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Alpha is a great Bible/Religion study program started by a devout, conservative Anglican. It usually has a video segment, a covered dish dinner, then a breakout into small groups for discussions (so usually a 3-hour program, for about 12 weeks) The videos are very well done, and seek to inspire a greater Christian commitment.

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 6:42 pm 
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Our former church used this back in 1999-2000, brings up some bad memories:

http://www.equip.org/articles/alpha-cou ... ing-alpha/

http://www.pfo.org/alpha-cr.htm

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 8:18 pm 
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Sorry you had bad experiences with this, Briva.

Where I attended, it seemed well-run & sound.

I don't expect a Protestant program to have the same view of doctrine that the Orthodox Church holds, but overall it was very good where I went.

Perhaps some of it depends on who leads the groups.

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 8:40 pm 
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Briva wrote:
Our former church used this back in 1999-2000, brings up some bad memories:

http://www.equip.org/articles/alpha-cou ... ing-alpha/

http://www.pfo.org/alpha-cr.htm


I have had only one session, so far. That being said, this program has been in our church for the past 5 years. According to our Senior Pastor, each Alpha session has had at least one atheist or a Buddhist or some other religion. The main point of Alpha is not to convict or convince "you." It gives a basic outline of each chapter. From there, you are already assigned small groups (a table of 7 or 8 and no more) and from there, all of you discuss the topic at a deeper level.

Like the article mentioned, no question at the table is too trivial. It is made clear from the onset whether you have been a Christian for XXX amount of years or just starting out or not a Christian at all, all questions are welcomed.

What I appreciate about what I have seen so far is that all "walks of life" are invited, and it doesn't single anyone out.

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 9:14 am 
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Briva wrote:
Our former church used this back in 1999-2000, brings up some bad memories:

http://www.equip.org/articles/alpha-cou ... ing-alpha/

http://www.pfo.org/alpha-cr.htm


I emailed my pastor about the two articles and this is his recent reply to me...

Yes, I am aware of this article and a few others like it on the web. So sad. I promise you, there is nothing heretical in Alpha. I know heresy. Alpha is endorsed by people like Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Joyce Meyers, Chuck Colson, and Tim Keller. Noted evangelical theologicans like Gordon Fee, J. I. Packer, and Wayne Grudem. Check out this on the web: http://alphausa.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000083020

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 Post subject: Re: Alpha
PostPosted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 12:15 pm 
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"Alpha is endorsed by people like Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Joyce Meyers, Chuck Colson, and Tim Keller."

Not to throw a monkey wrench into this discussion, but rather a word of caution into consideration... Not all those named here are held in high esteem as being true to scripture for many reasons. Some seem very solid, others very problematic. Always research individuals and not just accept the endorsement of a pastor./friend.. we all have biases towards different people for many reasons. Knowing as much about them and their mentors, training backgrounds... helps to have a clearer picture of where they are coming from and not just "They are great, say great things, agree with my views, are popular..." whatever our reasons for "trusting in" those who may not be nice people but not scripturally solid.

Question, seek, pray.


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